Urinary Tract Infection A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the organs in your urinary tract, which includes the bladder and kidneys. Symptoms depend on the part of the urinary tract affected. A UTI is an infection from microbes. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most…
Safe Sex Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that spread through sexual contact, including skin-to-skin contact. They can be prevented by practising safe sexual behaviours and maintaining good sexual health practices. Here are key points to reduce the risk of STIs: Protection before sex Sexual health practices Using condoms correctly Using condoms and other barrier…
Syphillis Syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum and is transmitted through sexual contact. It can be hard to diagnose, but without treatment, it can cause serious damage to multiple body systems over time. One can have it without showing any symptoms for years. However, the earlier syphilis is discovered, the better. Syphilis that remains untreated…
Gonorrhea What is gonorrhea? Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This common STI tends to target warm, moist areas of the body, including the: Gonorrhea can affect people of any age or gender, but it’s particularly common among teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and…
Genital Herpes What is genital herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This STI causes herpetic sores, which are painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps) that can break open and ooze fluid. What causes genital herpes? Two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) cause genital herpes: The viruses enter the body through skin abrasions…
Chlamydia What is chlamydia? Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. In Ghana, chlamydia has a prevalence of about 22.5%. People who have chlamydia often don’t have outward symptoms in the early stages. In fact, it’s estimated that 40 to 96 percent of people with chlamydia have no symptoms. But chlamydia can still…
Condom What is a condom? Condoms serve as a barrier contraception method that not only prevents pregnancy but also reduces the risk of certain STDs. Male condoms, also known as external condoms, are widely used for birth control. They are convenient, readily available at most stores, and generally affordable. Both male and female condoms function…